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Wednesday, December 7, 2011

On My Nightstand - The Chair by James L. Rubart

Corin Roscoe knows antiques, but when an elderly woman offers him a special chair, he's more than a little skeptical. Although she doesn't say it outright, she implies it was made by THE CARPENTER.

Since the price is right (free), he takes it. Upon close examination, Corin marvels at the workmanship and perfect dimensions. He puts it in the window, hoping someone might be drawn into his failing establishment.

A woman and her asthmatic son wander into the shop. While there, the child experiences an attack. Exhausted, the youngster sits in the chair and falls asleep. Soon afterward, Corin reads an account of how the child was healed. He embarks on a quest that involves all sorts of characters, some of whom could be described as "unsavory."

Everyone wants the chair. Will he unlock the secret of the chair and maybe find some answers for his tormented mind? Or is it all a hoax?

James Rubart once again comes up with a premise that is both unique and electrifying. He knows how to get the reader involved in the story. I zipped through the book in a couple of days. It's a good thing I had a long Thanksgiving weekend.

If you like slightly offbeat mysteries, Mr. R. will keep you on your toes. :)

Question for Writers: Do you like traditional mysteries or something with a supernatural twist? Why?

The Chair was one of those "what next?" experiences as I read it. Didn't grasp fully what was happening until late in the book. Now reading "Rooms" by Rubart, and will be doing the small group study with our home group.

I tend to prefer traditional mysteries. I think stories are more suspenseful (as well as creepier) when the events unfolding are truer to real life. I do agree with your follower, Loree, though--I can get into a supernatural mystery if the story is good enough, for sure.